What Did You Do in the Reloading Room Today?

[Abbey]

I tested some 9mm loads with couple different projectile and powder combinations today.

Also tested some .338 LM loads that I loaded a couple years ago but hadn’t gotten around to shooting until now. (Not sure why I haven’t taken the .338 out in so long - it was fun to shoot.) Had some issues with the blast from the muzzle brake loosening the LabRadar on the tripod quick release plate and spinning it off POA. Don’t have that issue with 9mm or .223. Maybe I’ll switch from left side to right next time so the muzzle blast tightens the mount.

 

[Old Jeff H]

About to make a Home Depot lumber run so I can start building my reloading/work bench setup. 5' L-shaped with bottom and top shelves. Finally get to use my Kreg Pocket Hole Jig...exciting!

Of course, pics will be posted when completed. I have the next two weeks off so I can completely re-organize my gun room.

I'm excited for you. Desperately need to re-organize and inventory my stuff (it's spread across two bedrooms and the garage), but I'm moving in May and not feeling motivated enough to do it twice.

I did manage to mostly inventory my primers last night, but still have two ammo cans to do. Which has my scratching my head as to why the hell I have so many LPs. I've never loaded anything that takes LP, and have only briefly owned any firearms that would use them. :lol:

Looking forward to seeing the post remodel pics!

Bench is 90% completed, but I got it in my gun room today, so I wanted to throw up a pic.

6' long on both sides, 2x4 and 2x6 construction. 1x12 top...easier than dealing with plywood, plus most of the top will be covered by cleaning mats. Still need to add the wood for the bottom shelves, some reinforcement supports on the outside corners where the reloading press and vice will be positioned. I am also going the add a 2x6 on edge along the back of the bench...since a 1x12 isn't really 1"x12" and a 2x4 isn't really 2"x4"...and it will keep things from rolling off the back. Router some softer edges on the benchtop, and I think that will do it.

Nice. Sturdy and roomy! I'm envious.

 

[Old Jeff H]

While I was doing my primers inventory, I rediscovered these.



They would have been my grandfather's, and used for his 300 Win Mag and 223 Rem (Mini-14) reloads. I also have an old steel can of Dupont IMR 4198. If I were to guess, judging by the handwritten price on the Remington box (the individual ones inside are marked 85 cents), he bought these at DelRay Sporting Goods which was right down the street from his house.

I really don't know for sure when he was reloading, but I'm guessing this is all early 70's vintage stuff? I suppose I should go ahead and load them up at some point.

 

[Flash]

Yeah, that's early 70s vintage. I've still got some of them too. They'll go bang as long as they haven't been submerged in water.

 

[Old Jeff H]

Yeah, that's early 70s vintage. I've still got some of them too. They'll go bang as long as they haven't been submerged in water.

No water. I know they were stored in non-climate controlled conditions until about 12 years ago, but I ain't skeered.

 

[Bigfoot]

Yeah, that's early 70s vintage. I've still got some of them too. They'll go bang as long as they haven't been submerged in water.

No water. I know they were stored in non-climate controlled conditions until about 12 years ago, but I ain't skeered.

Nice find.

 

[Bigfoot]

Scored this today.

 

[TheAccountant]

I tested some 9mm loads with couple different projectile and powder combinations today.

Also tested some .338 LM loads that I loaded a couple years ago but hadn’t gotten around to shooting until now. (Not sure why I haven’t taken the .338 out in so long - it was fun to shoot.) Had some issues with the blast from the muzzle brake loosening the LabRadar on the tripod quick release plate and spinning it off POA. Don’t have that issue with 9mm or .223. Maybe I’ll switch from left side to right next time so the muzzle blast tightens the mount.

It shouldn’t be hitting the Labradar in the first place. You’re going to have more problems than a loose mount if you keep blasting it with 338LM.

 

[Abbey]

It was just a lighthearted comment. The mount was just not tight enough but it didn’t matter until I shot the .338. I just pulled the tripod back 6” and it was fine the rest of the session.

Today’s reloading room activity- finished loading ~1700 rounds of 9mm. I’m now out of n320 (but have other powder), had to open my last case of SP primers, and am pretty much out of 9mm projectiles now. FWIW, I just loaded up 1k of Precision Delta 147gr RN and they worked great. A bit spendy, but so is everything right now.

Then I cleaned the Dillon and resized my .338 brass on the single stage.

 

[knockonit]

It was just a lighthearted comment. The mount was just not tight enough but it didn’t matter until I shot the .338. I just pulled the tripod back 6” and it was fine the rest of the session.

Today’s reloading room activity- finished loading ~1700 rounds of 9mm. I’m now out of n320 (but have other powder), had to open my last case of SP primers, and am pretty much out of 9mm projectiles now. FWIW, I just loaded up 1k of Precision Delta 147gr RN and they worked great. A bit spendy, but so is everything right now.

Then I cleaned the Dillon and resized my .338 brass on the single stage.

Might i inquire as to your data on use of n320 for the 9mm, as i h ave a gaggle and wondering what your data report is on results of round loading
thank
Rj

 

[Abbey]

Might i inquire as to your data on use of n320 for the 9mm, as i h ave a gaggle and wondering what your data report is on results of round loading
thank
Rj

3.8gr n320
Precision Delta 147gr RN
Mean 953fps
SD 7fps
COAL 1.156

3.6gr is 912fps and 4.0 gr is 980fps
Same charge of Bullseye is about 25fps faster but just as consistent.

Basically I find anything between 3.6-3.8 is fine for target loads and I don't notice a change in felt recoil or "minute of steel" accuracy.

 

[Old Jeff H]

I've been resizing, trimming, and primer pocket swaging 30 carbine brass for days. Not sure why I can't stop torturing myself with that caliber, but I certainly have an affectionate attraction to it.

Also not sure why I keep buying more when I already have more than I'll ever use, but I can't resist grabbing it when I come across a bargain.

 

[knockonit]

thanks abbey, gonna give this a shot, although my pill is somewhat smaller, 115 gr, will advise of outcome once i accomplish feat.
apprecait info
Rj

 

[Abbey]

I run 4.0gr for 124gr projectiles. I'd probably start there and check the load books.

This may sound weird but I've never loaded 115 gr so I'm not sure exactly what is optimal. I usually load subsonic loads so I don't have to remember which ammo can is which when shooting suppressed.

 

[Old Jeff H]

Finally conquered that batch of 30 carbine brass. Just need to run it through the F.A.R.T. and it'll be ready to load.

This particular lot has had me wondering about its history. It came to me in an empty spam can, all of it on strippers. What I found particularly intriguing about it is it's was a mix of WCC, RA, and WRA headstamps - all of it from 1953. The WRA had crimped pockets. I'd have to speculate this was part of an estate sale, and shot a very long time ago.

 

[Boriqua]

100 rds of 38 special using 158 gr coated lead from dg bullets and 3.8 gr of hp 38.

Made some equipment changes a few months back and still loving my choices

 

[YNOTAZ]

I left a brand new recipe of 9mm sitting on the reloading room bench while I made a last minute decision to throw a couple guns, targets etc. in the vehicle and run out to the desert to test the new 9mm recipe.

Oh well, that just means another trip. I'll consider the a fun dry run.

 

[High Standard]

I worked on my 30-30 to repair a small issue I had with it the last time I had it out. Had to order a couple of screws. It took me over an hour to find the screws for sale. But while I was searching for the screws I found some gold plated dress up pieces for it. Probably from a commemorative version. I also found high quality walnut stocks for it. I think I might buy some stuff to dress it up a bit. More ways to spend my money.

Finally getting to reloading for my Carcano for the first time. Got out my new dies and cleaned the grease/oil out of them that they come covered with to keep them from rusting. Got the sizing die set up and sized 200 pieces of brass.

 

[Abbey]

I left a brand new recipe of 9mm sitting on the reloading room bench while I made a last minute decision to throw a couple guns, targets etc. in the vehicle and run out to the desert to test the new 9mm recipe.

Oh well, that just means another trip. I'll consider the a fun dry run.

Been there, done that. Or the times I forgot my chronograph. Or the times I wanted to test groups and forgot my spotting scope. Or that time I forgot the mags for my 6.5 and had to single feed all session (break sight picture, flip rifle sideways, drop in round, close bolt, re-acquire sight picture).

 

[Old Jeff H]

Forgot your mags? That's ridiculous!

Yeah, I've done that a time or two.